World AIDS Day is about increasing awareness, fighting stigma, improving education, mobilising resources and raising funds to better our response to HIV and AIDS. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now more than 34 million people living with HIV. Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day gives the world an opportunity to reflect on the epidemic and the response thereof. Please use information on this website to raise awareness A VERT ran several campaigns to raise awareness around world AIDS Day 2012; you can help raise awareness too. On World AIDS Day 2012, AVERT, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and its sponsorship of Liverpool Football Club, displayed the world's largest AIDS Awareness Ribbon at Anfiled Stadium at halftime during the Livepool versus southampton match. We hope this iconic image of the 49m-long red ribbon will serve to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS across the globe and help to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.The world's largest Ribbon was created in 2008 by renowned Indian HIV physician Dr Kutikuppala Surya Rao(/aids-is-still-hot-in-india.htm). As a leader in his field, he wanted to raise awareness of HIV to a wider audience in his native Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. where illiteracy is an issue. The ribbon provided the perfect opportunity to do that there and AVERT is very grateful to Dr Rao for allowing us to use the ribbon - so we can use its powerful iconic image to further raise awareness of HIV. We're also very greatful to standard Chartered and Livepool Football Club. Each season the Premier League reaches about 212 territories and over 650 million homes with a cumulative global audience of 4.7 billion people. The alliance between standered chartered and Livepool Football club is an excellent example of how the popularity and reach of modern-day football can be used to change lives all over the world.Wear a Read Ribbon on/around 1st December 2012 As an individual, you can wear a red ribbon to raise awareness. The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all yera round and particularly around world AIDS DAY to demonstrate care and concern about HIVand AIDS. and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. The HIV and AIDS epidemic today is a reality in all continents around the world(/aruondworld.htm) and it needs your response to end it. AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!If you want to take your awareness raising a step further then try finding a local event to take part in. Around the world there are hundreds of activities taking place to mark world AIDS Day. including candle light vigits, art shows, marches and religious services. If you can't find anything in your area why not organise an event yourself?